There isn't a lot of love for the San Antonio Spurs outside of San Antonio because most people think they play a very boring style of basketball. But they definitely have the best offensive playbook in the league. The number of great plays that they and the way they execute them is like living in a basketball nirvana.

Here the Spurs execute a nice little play, it's a break set with both forwards breaking across the lane and it results in a backscreen for Manu Ginobili for the easy lay in,

It's a very intelligent play, designed for the singular purpose of getting the ball to an open Manu Ginobili underneath the basket.

Break Set Flex Screen:

They start in a 3-out 2-in with Tim Duncan at the high post and Robert Horry at the opposite low block. Manu is at the wing and Bowen is at the opposite wing,Duncan breaks across the lane and sets a diagonal screen for Horry. Immediately, Duncan breaks across the lane again this time long the baseline. Horry comes across to the high post where Duncan came from and Parker passes the ball to him.Duncan sets a flex backscreen for Manu in the corner and he peels around where Horry finds him right underneath the basket for the easy layup.

Summary:

You can easily point to the lack of a defensive switch by the Hawks that causes the breakdown in the play. And that would be absolutely correct. But the execution by the Spurs here is perfect as well. The spacing is such that even when the defense recovers, it's very difficult for them to get to the ball.

If you're a fan of the Spurs like me, you'll want to watch Gregg Popovich's DVD on his favorite plays and drills. Again, the Spurs philosophy on valuing each possession is one that is sometimes lost in the ever-popular transition game, but when you talk about big games, playoff games, championship games, you must have an efficient half-court offense that maximizes shot opportunities. Don't forget to check out the X's and O's of Basketball Forum to talk about this and your favorite basketball topics.